For Tewksbury's Dunlevy, a heart of gold and a lifetime of firsts

TEWKSBURY -- Joan Dunlevy was a trailblazing pioneer in town politics, breaking the glass ceiling for women seeking election to public office and serving on local boards.

Dunlevy, 85, passed away on Nov. 23, and friends and family say her engaging personality, commitment to community, and tireless public service remain a proud legacy for the town of about 29,000 residents.

"(Joan) will be sorely missed" is a common refrain uttered by many who were interviewed for this story about Dunlevy's contributions.

First and foremost, she wasn't shy about getting involved in politics and local issues, especially if it meant improving the town's overall appeal and well-being.

Dunlevy was the second woman to serve on the Board of Selectmen after Anne Looney, but the first to chair the board. She joined the board in the early 1990s and served two terms.

She left her mark on community projects and residents. In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Dunlevy previously chaired the town's Board of Health, and worked as a nurse at Mass General Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, Saint John's Hospital and Tewksbury Hospital.

Dunlevy's niece, Beth McFadyen, said her aunt was the matriarch of their large Irish family.

"She was the first person you would call when there was any news to share or there was advice that was needed," McFadyen said. "She was really the glue that bound our family together.

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We all feel this huge loss without her."

She was the oldest of eight children. Those who remember her are also quick to say she had a beautiful family. Dunlevy left behind four sons, three daughters and 18 grandchildren, in addition to 44 nieces and nephews.

Fred Simon, former chairman of the town's 9/11 Memorial Committee, said Dunlevy was the "voice for the voiceless."

"She was a very special lady in a lot of ways. She really cared about the people," said Simon.

He recalled Dunlevy as fun-loving person, always smiling and always willing to help.

Elizabeth Carey fondly remembers meeting at town events with her late husband, Warren Carey, along with Dunlevy and her family.

"Joan Dunlevy was my female superhero," Carey said. "She was always there for her family and she helped the town of Tewksbury grow in a very prosperous way."

Dunlevy served on the Tewksbury Democratic Committee with many members, including longtime party loyalist Marie Sweeney. Sweeney said she was working in U.S. Rep. Jim Shannon's Lowell office when she first encountered Dunlevy. Back then, in the late 1970s, Dunlevy was vocal about the care and well-being of female patients at Tewksbury State Hospital.

"I think the funniest thing was knitting night caps for the old ladies at Tewksbury Hospital," Sweeney said. "She had this thing about putting night caps on them. She was always thinking about having them comfortable."

Members of the Democratic Committee would occasionally go out for lunch after meetings. Sweeney was present at the 99 Restaurant in Tewksbury when Dunlevy suffered a stroke last March. The illness changed Dunlevy's ability to be out and about with friends.

"We were all so close and to kind of lose her in that way when we were all together was very painful," Sweeney said. "She was never really the same after that, but her family took extraordinarily good care of her."

That day was one of the worst for Rita O'Brien Dee, a Democratic Committee member and Dunlevy since their sophomore year in high school, 70 years ago.

"In high school, we would have a half an hour to lunch, but we would take five minutes," Dee said. "We would go to the gymnasium and the jukebox was playing and we would dance for the last 25 minutes."

Dee and Dunlevy were both born in February and loved the snow. Without fail, they would call each other at the first snowfall of the season and plan outdoor frolicks. She said they were similar is so many ways, and that's why they just clicked.

During her senior year in high school Dulevy worked as a nurses' aide at Lowell General, according to Dee. Following graduation, Dunlevy became a registered nurse at the Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing.

Todd Johnson, a selectman for nine years, said Dunlevy left her fingerprints on many projects, including the construction of the South Fire Station.

"She took it on her shoulders to be an advocate to make that a reality," Johnson said. "I know the Center Fire Station was also near and dear to her heart and she was on the building committee that was involved with the design of a new proposed fire station."

Anne Marie Stronach, the only woman currently serving as selectman, reached out to Dunlevy back in 2006 when she was considering running for office. Stronach called Dunlevy a mentor.

"She was just an amazing woman," Stronach said. "I would say that what I would emulate from her is her honesty and the way she would be direct without being offensive."

Jay Kelley, another selectman who served with Dunlevy, praised her moral compass. "In many of the issues she had a very strong sense of right and wrong. That was what I remember most about her."

John Ryan interacted with Dunlevy on the Board of Selectmen and also as the town's assistant school superintendent.

"The thing you remember most was that Joan was a driver," Ryan said. "She always saw the good in everything and always pushed to get the job done."

Former State Sen. Barry Finegold said Dunlevy was one of the first people in Tewksbury who was willing to support him to run for political office. She was warm and encouraging, he said, and always sincere.

"She will be missed," said Carey of her longtime friend. "It's hard to express in words what a wonderful person she was."

Donations can be made to the Barry F. Dunlevy Foundation and mailed to Sheila M. Fabiano, 70 John St., Tewksbury, MA, 01876.

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